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Real Madrid team news: Predicted Real Madrid line up vs Valladolid – Makeshift defence
REAL MADRID caretaker manager Santiago Solari could be forced to field a makeshift back four when Real Valladolid visit the Bernabeu on Saturday (3.15pm).
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Real Madrid are plagued by injuries ahead of Santiago Solari’s first La Liga match in charge of Los Blancos against Real Valladolid.
Up to five first-team stars are set to be ruled out this weekend, leaving the Argentinian short of options in defence.
Solari, who has been placed in temporary charge following the sacking of Julen Lopetegui, will be forced to juggle his resources at the back with a host of players sidelined.
Marcelo is out after aggravating a calf issue during the 5-1 loss to Barcelona last week, while Dani Carvajal has a similar problem.
Raphael Varane could be sidelined for up to a month after tearing an abductor muscle, Jesus Vallejo has a hamstring injury and striker Mariano is also doubtful.
Solari was able to heavily rotate his squad for the 4-0 Copa del Rey victory over Malilla in midweek with Javi Sanchez and Sergio Reguilon coming into defence.
However, the pair are likely to make way with Nacho and potentially Lucas Vazquez returning to the back four, having been deployed there earlier in the season.
Alvaro Odriozola would switch to left-back if Vazquez drops back into the rearguard while Nacho should line up alongside Sergio Ramos in the centre.
Thibaut Courtois is expected to replace Keylor Navas in goal while Dani Ceballos, Marcos Llorente and Marco Asensio could all make way for Toni Kroos, Casemiro and Luka Modric.
The high-profile trio were all rested in anticipation of this weekend’s clash, although Casemiro was named on the bench.
Further forward, Karim Benzema will continue up front after scoring against the third-tier outfit while Isco and Gareth Bale should be deployed out wide.
Teenage sensation Vinicius Junior will have to be content with a place on the bench, unless Solari intends to spring a major surprise with his team selection.